Early ChildhoodWelcome to the Village

Specially designed for our youngest campers, the Villagers program are the foundation of the Gate Hill community. Discover how our developmentally appropriate programs, facilities, events, and staff keep the Villagers active and engaged all summer long.

Become a part of the Gate Hill family - give us a call or schedule a visit to see if the Villager program is the right fit for your child.

Exceptional Staff

With a 1:3 counselor to camper ratio all of our Villagers receive the necessary attention they deserve! All of our Early Childhood head counselors have professional or personal childcare experience and include parents and teachers. From that extra special snack with fruit choices, to special "just for Villager" events, to drying little wet feet, the Villagers staff never miss a beat!

A Camp to Grow With

Our commitment to a new and exciting program and facility every year ensures that our youngest campers will always have something to enjoy at camp! In addition to our yearly growth, the Villagers program nurtures the development of our little ones. The Early Childhood program develops intrinsic skills like teamwork, problem-solving, creativity, and making new friends; skills that they will use all of their lives!

"There will never be a year when we're not building"- Josh Male, Camp Owner & Director.

Junior Sized Facilities

Gate Hill features facilities that are "just right" for our youngest campers and includes an interactive playground and imaginative play areas in our Gate Hill "Village". Facilities throughout the camp include Junior sized sports facilities like baseball, hoops, soccer, tennis, martial arts, and gymnastics. Our Early Childhood sports specialists emphasize age appropriate games and skills that develop fine motor skills and teamwork.

If swim is where you're headed next, you'll be sure to find our introductory heated Villager pool- perfect for those just learning how to swim. With a swim instructor ratio of 1:3 our proven learn-to-swim program is sure to help even the most reluctant swimmers fell comfortable and enjoy the water.

Villagers enjoy many all camp events as well as their own special events like a teddy bear picnic, oreo olympics, duckie day and more.

The Gate Hill Community: Routines and traditions

From the minute your child gets on the bus the Gate Hill day has begun! Our bus counselors engage Villagers with their own range of age appropriate games, activity books and puzzles that rotate throughout the summer. When they arrive at camp they are greeted by enthusiastic counselors who lead them to The Gathering to join the rest of the Villagers and enjoy a special morning snack. Other traditions include group rocks, special "Villager" theme songs, snack time, and theater stories & crafts that promote weekly themes.

The schedule of the day includes time to prepare for the day ahead, make a visual timetable, enjoy songs and a mid day rest period with cots for 3 and 4 yr olds. Campers that dont need full reclined rest have a period of calm & creative play or storytime.

Nate had the absolute best birthday party he could have dreamed of. Everything was truly amazing. The attention to detail in preparation for the party and the energy, passion, and patience (with kids and parents alike) on party day far surpassed our expectations. Every one of our guests commented that this was one of the best parties they had been at and that camp was the perfect location. Gate Hill's facility is gorgeous. And everyone was in awe of the Gate Hill staff, and Zac is a rare talent who had each and every kid engaged and playing from the minute the party started to the end. Plus he somehow managed to take care of every last detail from decor and goodie bag set-up to managing games, pizza and leading the best dance party ever. He is the perfect host!! And his team was unreal too! Gate Hill took care of everything so we could actually enjoy and celebrate! Thank you for the best party ever. We love Gatehill!!

The Grishman Family

New York, NY

My children started at Gate Hill three years ago and we never looked back! Gate Hill offers a warm, caring, safe and FUN atmosphere. Gate Hill has been an exceptional experience, one we intend on repeating for many summers to come.

The Jaeger Family

Croton, NY

As an Explorer, our son worked on cool projects, participated in a theatrical production, had great swim instruction, made friends and couldn't wait to attend camp daily. In fact, he woke up earlier to go to camp than school! Gate Hill was a great experience for our camper and his parents!

The Soltano & Sarnoff Family

Fort Lee, NJ

Gate Hill helped me grow so much as a person, improved my confidence, gave me amazing friends and a wealth of unforgettable memories. On a professional level camp has firmly cemented my ambition of working with children as a primary school teacher. It was hard work but above all else it was FUN. I would recommend working at Gate Hill to anyone, it's simply awesome!

Chris R.

Soccer Specialist

Campers have a chance to try new things like going on the zip line, learning to swim or act, in a comfortable supportive environment. No matter who you are or what your interests are, at Gate Hill Day Camp you're part of the family.

Will T.

Group Counselor

I worked at Gate Hill as an Early Childhood Head Counselor for the 4 year old boys and girls. Watching the kids have fun, play and excel, especially at swimming, was a pleasure to see. I have 2 boys who attended camp and LOVED every minute of it. They went from non-swimmers to passing the deep water test by the end of Summer!

Gloria T.

Early Childhood Head Counselor

Long before I worked at Gate Hill, since they were 3, both of my sons enjoyed every summer here. Now, I get to enjoy camp’s beautiful outdoor setting and help children express themselves through arts and crafts.

Laurie V.

Arts & Crafts Specialist

Gate Hill Day Camp’s great facility is beautifully located, nicely built, and well maintained. It gave me a great first impression and I feel like it is getting better every time I make a visit. No wonder my kids love to go back day after day.

The Lim Family

Closter, NJ

Each year we are consistently impressed with all the new and exciting activities that our kids come home and tell us about. Gate Hill provides the right balance between sports, swim instruction, electives and special activities.

The Weidler Family

Tarrytown, NY

What stands out is the genuine spirit and dedication of the staff. You never get the sense that this is just a job- it's their passion. From the communication to the attention and energy from the counselors, Gate Hill has exceeded our expectations.

The Peltzman Family

NY, NY

Only a special place would move us to let our children ride a bus across the Tappan Zee twice each day. Gate Hill is just that place. The Male family does a superb job in making every child feel special and keeping every parent worry-free.

The Wels Family

Ardsley, NY

My children made far more progress on their swimming skills during Gate Hill’s summer swim program than a year of lessons at another program. Safe, fun and structured swimming program helped my children to love the water. Just for this program, Gate Hill summer day camp was well worth every dollar.

The Lim Family

Closter, NJ

Gate Hill was a transformational experience for our son. He approached the summer with apprehension about swimming. He ended the summer not only knowing how to swim, but really excited for any chance to be in the pool and even the ocean!

The Epple Family

Irvington, NY

Gate Hill is a very special place! They truly take care of our children, especially in managing their life-threatening food allergies. That being the case, we are able to relax and the boys are free to enjoy all of the fantastic activities and programs the camp has to offer.

The Ourman Family

Irvington, NY

Gate Hill is a camp for our kids and a community for our family. Our children have a great time in a beautiful camp setting-- swimming, water slides, zip line, arts & crafts and Gaga. And it's close to Manhattan. They don't miss a beat, we love Gate Hill!

The Rosenstein Family

NY, NY

Start the conversation

Inquire to receive our full packet, DVD and rates. Gate Hill's 2018 summer season runs 8 weeks Monday to Friday, from June 25th to August 17th (Closed July 4th).
Ask about our 4 week sessions (6/25 - 7/20 or 7/23 - 8/17) and options for 5,6,7 and 8 weeks.